Annual Report of Philanthropy

Dear Alumni and Friends,

In my eighth year, I’ve given up finding new superlatives even though I need them; each year has seemed better than the one just past. What is powering us forward and higher is the vital and gratifying support from our remarkable community. I can’t thank you enough, because alumni and friends are increasingly critical.

Despite troubling economic times, alumni and friends contributed more than $10.5 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, which helped us address some key priorities. We added four world-class faculty members to our roster of exceptional educators. We continued strengthening financial aid to ameliorate the tuition burden growth attributable to unrelenting cuts to our state funding. I have no higher priority than financial aid, including loan forgiveness for graduates in public service and public interest work.

The most tangible sign of Boalt’s progress, of course, is its recent physical makeover. The stylish new South Addition—which we would delight in naming for a visionary (and generous) alumnus—adds 55,000 square feet of new space. We completed a multiyear renovation strategy which either improved or completely transformed every classroom, while adding several new ones. Our new student center provides flexible space for our law journals and vibrant ecosystem of student organizations. Shortly after I arrived, we did a major renovation of the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Main Reading Room, but the South Addition added a tremendous amount of new study space and “hanging out” space. Everyone who visits agrees that the truly remarkable architecture lifts our feeling of community to an even higher level.

There is far too much more to detail, but I can’t resist mentioning just three. A generous seed gift from The Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert Foundation helped launch our Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israeli Law, Economy and Society. Boalt’s surging Professional Skills Program continued to expand—marked by a growing course list and the most successful year our moot court and mock trial competition teams have ever had. (It is now, officially, embarrassing.) Our blossoming Professional LL.M. Program, which offers the degree after two long summers in residence, graduated its second class, and reached a total enrollment of 81. The traditional fall-spring program has leveled off at about 140 students, representing over 45 nations. We work to make that diversity enrich the experience of our American J.D. students because, left to chance, it won’t happen enough.

It’s true that these are challenging times for all of us, but I urge you to consider those preparing for great careers in the law. The average new Boalt graduate owes more than $104,000 in student loans. In-state tuition was over $50,000 this year. Need-based scholarship and summer fellowship applications are at all-time highs.

You are going to help us meet those challenges. I believe it in my bones. Part of my job is encouraging you to do just that. At the same time, we are working on our next moves—with no shortage of ideas about how we can keep Boalt the greatest public law school on the planet. I know that’s what makes you proud, and I know that’s what our students and our mission deserve.

So, we celebrate 100 years since the opening of the original Boalt Memorial Hall, and next year will mark the centennial of the Berkeley School of Jurisprudence. On behalf of the entire campus community of students, staff, and faculty, thank you for your support. Now we need it again, to propel us into our second century of leadership, passion, and promise.

Christopher Edley, Jr.
The Honorable William H. Orrick, Jr. Distinguished Chair and Dean

 

View the report

This year's annual report is packed full of charts and graphics to help you understand the school's fiscal health and the breadth of our programs. Download the PDF copy of the report here.

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